Homer Simpson to Meet God and Ricky Gervais

All is not well in Springfield: Homer Simpson is going to die, warns The Simpsons creator Matt Groening.

But not to worry, Groening assured reporters at the British Comedy Awards in London. Once Homer argues with God, he finds that he misses his wife, Marge, and the children, Bart, Lisa and Maggie – so back to earth he goes, the New York Post reports.

Of course, it could be argued, God just doesn't want Homer Simpson. "He tells God he should go back in time and change things that are wrong in the world," says Groening. "Homer says Superman could do it."

In other news of the long-running FOX hit, Variety reports that The Office creator and star Ricky Gervais will be writing an episode and voicing a character on it.

"I've got the rough idea, but this is the most intimidating project of my career," said Gervais, calling The Simpsons the "greatest TV show of all time."

Gervais, who last year won best comedy series and best TV comedy actor Golden Globes for The Office (about the petty goings on in a suburban firm), reportedly is already facing the keyboard for his Simpsons stint, which came at the personal invitation of Groening.

Meanwhile, at the British Comedy Awards, Groening collected the prize for international comedy on behalf of The Simpsons, while Gervais picked up a special achievement award for writing.

Meanwhile, NBC plans to unveil an American version of The Office later this season.